Switzerland reviews its alarm systems

The annual siren test will be carried out throughout Switzerland on 5 February 2025. Around 5000 sirens will be tested to ensure they are working properly. At the same time, an Alertswiss information message will be sent out to test the warning system. The Federal Office for Civil Protection recommends that the public take this opportunity to check their personal preparedness.
The test begins at 1.30 pm with the general alarm, an ascending and descending wailing tone that lasts one minute. If necessary, the test can be extended until 2.00 pm. In the danger zones below dams, the water alarm is also tested from 2.00 pm until 4.30 pm at the latest. This signal consists of twelve low continuous tones of 20 seconds each, which are triggered at ten-second intervals.
Alertswiss app supplements the test
At the same time as the siren test, all cantons and the Principality of Liechtenstein send out an information message via the Alertswiss app. This measure serves to test the widespread distribution of warning messages and at the same time ensure that the population does not confuse the siren test with a real alarm. The Alertswiss message does not trigger a warning tone on the smartphone, as acoustic warning signals are reserved exclusively for real emergencies.
Behaviour in an emergency
If the general alarm sounds outside the announced test period, this means that the population is at risk. In such a case, the people affected should inform themselves via the Alertswiss app or the official website, switch on the radio and follow the instructions of the authorities. It is also recommended to inform neighbours of the alarm. In the event of a water alarm, there is an immediate danger in the vicinity of a dam. The affected population must leave the endangered area immediately.
Recommendations for personal preparedness
The FOCP advises the population to use the siren test as an opportunity to check their own emergency preparedness. This includes installing the Alertswiss app on all mobile devices in order to receive important information directly from the authorities in the event of an emergency. It is also recommended that you complete or update an emergency plan for yourself and your family. Personal emergency supplies should also be checked. If you would like to find out about the recommended stock levels, you can use the emergency stock calculator from the Federal Office for National Economic Supply. People living within 50 kilometres of a nuclear power plant should also ensure that the iodine tablets issued in autumn 2023 are still available. If these have been lost, those affected can contact the relevant office.
New information campaign for the siren test
In the run-up to this year’s test, a new TV advert will be broadcast for the first time to provide information about the test. SRG and private TV stations are legally obliged to broadcast this advert several times. It replaces the previous “Sirenschaf” advert and was already presented to the public in January 2025.
The next nationwide siren check is planned for 4 February 2026.